Paleo In A Nutshell

Why PALEOdISH?
1. PALEO: A prefix that means “prehistoric” or “primitive”
2. DISH: (n) A particular variety or preparation of food
(v) Informal talk
3. ISH: A suffix that means kind of/somewhat, usually added onto the end of a word

I decided to name my blog PALEOdISH because the title was “short and sweet”, but was also able to capture the essence of the content that will be featured. The PALEO part focuses on the kinds of foods that will be used in my recipes the majority of the time. The DISH part stands for the actual recipe types that will be posted- such as appetizers, mains, sides etc… It also represents the fact that sometimes I will be blogging and talking about topics surrounding the Paleo diet that aren’t necessarily recipe related. Basically, this means giving you the DISH on my views concerning different subjects areas related to health, fitness and nutrition. Lastly, the ISH part I just couldn’t resist!!! I had to and can often be heard adding this on to various words in my daily conversations with people. When present in my posts, it will stand beside those ingredients that are “borderline” or simply “non-Paleo” in nature. If they appear in the recipes, they are usually optional and the word ~ “ISH” will be written beside them. I hope you enjoy and happy cooking!!!

What is the “Paleo Diet/lifestyle”? The Paleo Diet focuses on eating foods that were readily available during the Paleolithic (caveman) era, prior to the Agricultural Revolution. It’s premise concentrates on feeding your body food it was genetically designed to eat, digest and process.

This list was obtained from the book Paleo Diet by Loren Cordain (Wiley and Sons, New York 2002 pages 104-112).

Foods to avoid are:

grains/cereals

legumes

potatoes

dairy

processed/packaged items

This may seem overwhelming at first, but really it doesn’t have to be. The first step for me was going through the cupboards and the fridge to get rid of all the “junk”. I remember John Vivian (CFTO) saying at the boot camp- “If it crinkles and scans….don’t eat it.” For the most part, this is the rule we go by. Try to focus on eating foods that are fresh and ones that have minimal ingredients. Get creative and use your imagination…the possibilities and food combinations are endless!

As time goes on, you will start to notice the benefits of eating this way. Your body will adjust, you will feel better, lighter and perform stronger. Do you have to eat 100 % Paleo everyday? The degree to which you follow is up to you. This is not a “fad” diet, but rather a lifestyle, so you still need to enjoy life in my opinion. Each person is different and will need to prioritize based on your personal goals. My husband and I try to follow this way of eating 80-90% of the time.

The Seven Keys of the Paleo Diet

Eat a relatively high amount of animal protein compared to the typical American diet

Eat fewer carbohydrates, but lots of good carbohydrates—from fruits and vegetables, not from grains, starchy tubers, and refined sugars

Eat large amounts of fiber from non-starchy fruits and vegetables

Eat a moderate amount of fat, with more monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats than saturated fats and nearly equal amounts of omega 3 and omega 6 fats

Eat foods with a high potassium content and a low sodium content

Eat a diet with a net alkaline load

Eat foods which in plant phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants

Taken from- The Paleo Diet: Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Eating the Food You Were Designed to Eat,is the work of Loren Cordain, Ph.D., a leading expert of Paleolithic (Stone Age) nutrition.

Major Benefits of Eating Paleo

improve insulin sensitivity (linked to Syndrome X diseases)

weight loss

reduce inflammation

improve mood and well-being

improve condition of skin and hair

There is an abundance of literature on the Paleo Diet/lifestyle. For more information check out a couple of my favourite resources:

9 Comments

wow, this sounds very interesting and the photos of dishes look very appetizing! my cholesterol levels are not so good. i changed my diet to decrease my salt intake and became a little more physically active both of which improved things a little but i need to do more!

I must thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this website.
I am hoping to see the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as
well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my
very own site now

Well Cindy let the celebration start!!!! You have inspired many along the way myself included. You have offered your wisdom to our family with support and kindness. Just guiding with your amazing knowledge.
We celebrate all that has been done and is yet to be!! I love you very much!! Your website is delightful just like you and is a true reflection of your spirit and heart.

About Me

I am a small town gal at heart turned semi-city-slicker. I am currently a certified teacher in the Greater Toronto Area who adores all things fitness, food and nutrition related. I am passionate about teaching, as well as learning from others in this field, and is constantly striving toward being a little bit better every single day.
My laid-back approach to eating “really real” (nutrient-dense) food is reasonable and realistic. With a multi-faceted approach that focuses on returning to the simpler days of living, I like to concentrates on making play, laughter, sleep and self-care a priority, which makes up my relaxed paleo lifestyle.